Panel selects agency for street patrols

WEST CHESTER — Following the request for proposal, the borough’s public safety committee has recommended the continued use of ELPS Private Detective Agency to patrol southwest neighborhoods.

Borough Council previously voted unanimously to continue the use of the service.

Funded by the West Chester University Foundation, the program began on a trial basis earlier last year and was renewed for the fall semester.

Four security officers were hired to work in teams of two and patrol the southeastern neighborhoods of the borough from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Areas patrolled would consist mainly of those streets in Ward 4 and Ward 2 often used by students moving to and from the downtown area during the week.

The vote gave the borough the power to authorize solicitation of the service and begin a bidding process.Because the security firm is a professional service, it must go to bid. The university foundation has pledged to continue funding for the service.

“It’s very cool;well done, (West Chester) University Foundation,” said CouncilmanJordan Norley, the public safety committee’s chairman.

Four security services, including ELPS, responded with proposals. The committee eliminated the two highest bidders immediately, leaving ELPS and AlliedBarton Security Services.

AlliedBarton was the lowest bid with a rate of $16.77 per hour, while ELPS came just above at $18.50.

“I’m kind of in between myself,” Norley said.

“I’m in the mindset to keep ELPS,” said CouncilmanJohn Manion, a committee member. “I’m comfortable with ELPS.

Despite the higher rate, the committee unanimously recommended ELPS based on its familiarity with the borough, residents and problems in the area.

ELPS President Jeff Stein wrote in a letter attached to the proposal that the agency is ahead of any learning curve others would face and is well acclimated to the demographics, students, residents and problem areas in the neighborhood.

“This is a very unique and challenging project that takes time to mature,” Stein said.

The agency has aided in stopping quality-of-life crimes, such as noise violations, assaults and drunken driving, Stein said, and it prevented about 25 to 35 altercations that may have otherwise needed emergency responders.

Some council members and residents have been critical of the service because in many ways it can’t be quantified.

Last year a survey was sent to residents inquiring about the service. All of the responders said they found the service beneficial.

Borough Council plans to vote on the acceptance of ELPS at its regular meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 16.

Continuing to address the quality-of-life issues in the southwest quadrant of the borough, the committee also decided to look at creating signs that would designate “quiet zones.” As proposed, these signs would read: “Quiet Zone, 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., Minimum Fine $250.”